Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is time also for renewal of party policy and for a review of our performance more generally, not merely for a change of leadership. That is also something that is universally acknowledged.

It is important the business of government goes on and that we do not see anyone feeling that this is a time that the Government is in any way a lame duck as a result of this. We are going to continue with the business of government. I am glad we are taking the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill 2013 this evening. It is an important Bill which has been a long time in preparation. We are also taking the Companies Bill 2012 next week. The latter is a very important reforming Bill that has been a long time in preparation. It is important that we would progress all of those measures. Once we have a new leader in place within the Labour Party, it is also important that we would have a debate in this House on renewal of the programme for Government, on reviewing the programme for Government and the great progress that has been made on many of the commitments in that, but also on what needs to be done. An electoral commission is one of the matters that is in there. We need also to look at matters such as discretionary medical cards. I agree that this was the huge issue on the doorstep with people fearful of the situation, even if they had not seen a removal of the card after review. The way that has been dealt with has been very problematic. If possible, we need to hold that overarching debate during the month of July.